Brazil: Deforestation in the Amazon area for soy cultivation

For years, Brazil is fighting against illegal soybean cultivation in the Amazon region, because large areas of the rain forest were cut down for it. In 2006, a deadline was set to quit soybean cultivation by 2014 and thus to protect the region. However, this year's figures show that, despite the agreement, the illegal cultivation increased by 57%. The Minister for the Environment of Brazil, however, is sure that the soybean production can be increased in the next 5 years without having negative impacts on the environment. She also asks for strict penalties for producers and distributors that do not abide by the law.